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Critical Care Explorations Jun 2024Measurement of blood pressure taken from different anatomical sites, are often perceived as interchangeable, despite them representing different parts of the systemic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
Measurement of blood pressure taken from different anatomical sites, are often perceived as interchangeable, despite them representing different parts of the systemic circulation. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on blood pressure differences between central and peripheral arterial cannulation in critically ill patients.
DATA SOURCES
We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase from inception to December 26, 2023, using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords.
STUDY SELECTION
Observation study of adult patients in ICUs and operating rooms who underwent simultaneous central (femoral, axillary, or subclavian artery) and peripheral (radial, brachial, or dorsalis pedis artery) arterial catheter placement in ICUs and operating rooms.
DATA EXTRACTION
We screened and extracted studies independently and in duplicate. We assessed risk of bias using the revised Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy tool.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Twenty-four studies that enrolled 1598 patients in total were included. Central pressures (mean arterial pressure [MAP] and systolic blood pressure [SBP]) were found to be significantly higher than their peripheral counterparts, with mean gradients of 3.5 and 8.0 mm Hg, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference in central or peripheral diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Subgroup analysis further highlighted a higher MAP gradient during the on-cardiopulmonary bypass stage of cardiac surgery, reperfusion stage of liver transplant, and in nonsurgical critically ill patients. SBP or DBP gradient did not demonstrate any subgroup specific changes.
CONCLUSIONS
SBP and MAP obtained by central arterial cannulation were higher than peripheral arterial cannulation; however, clinical implication of a difference of 8.0 mm Hg in SBP and 3.5 mm Hg in MAP remains unclear. Our current clinical practices preferring peripheral arterial lines need not change.
Topics: Humans; Critical Illness; Arterial Pressure; Catheterization, Peripheral; Blood Pressure Determination; Blood Pressure; Intensive Care Units
PubMed: 38787296
DOI: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000001096 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024As a result of demographic change, chronic and oncological diseases are gaining importance in the context of public health. Palliative care plays a crucial role in... (Review)
Review
As a result of demographic change, chronic and oncological diseases are gaining importance in the context of public health. Palliative care plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of life of those affected. International guidelines demand access to palliative care not only for the elderly but also for younger people who face severe illnesses. It can be assumed that palliative care will become increasingly important for them. In order to develop public health strategies which are able to promote palliative care, it is important to assess the knowledge of, and attitude towards, palliative care as found among members of the general public and its specific target groups. In particular, little is known about young adults' knowledge and perceptions of palliative care. This work aimed to assess the understanding and viewpoints regarding palliative care among the general population and among young adults aged 18 to 24. We therefore conducted a systematic review, which, for this target population, could be seen as a novel approach. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were developed using the PICOS process. Literature was researched within MEDLINE (via PubMed), Google Scholar and Web of Science. A search string was developed and refined for all three databases. Grey literature was included. Duplicates were excluded using Mendeley. The literature was independently screened by two researchers. Narrative synthesis was used to answer the main research question. For the general public, palliative care is still associated with death and dying and comforting sick people towards the end of their lives. Multiple social determinants are linked to better knowledge of palliative care: higher education, higher income, female gender, having relatives that received palliative care, and permanent employment. The population's knowledge of palliative care structures increases, the longer such structures have been established within a country. Young adults are familiar with the term palliative care, yet their understanding lacks nuance. They associate palliative care with death and dying and perceive palliative care to be a medical discipline primarily for the elderly. Nevertheless, young adults demand participation within the planning of interventions to destigmatize palliative care. The general public still lacks a detailed understanding of palliative care. Palliative care faces stigma at multiple levels, which creates barriers for those who set out to implement it. However, addressing young adults as a crucial peer group can help break down barriers and promote access to palliative care.
PubMed: 38786369
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12100957 -
Implementation Science Communications May 2024Despite the critical need for comprehensive and effective chronic pain care, delivery of such care remains challenging. Group medical visits (GMVs) offer an innovative... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Despite the critical need for comprehensive and effective chronic pain care, delivery of such care remains challenging. Group medical visits (GMVs) offer an innovative and efficient model for providing comprehensive care for patients with chronic pain. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify barriers and facilitators (determinants) to implementing GMVs for adult patients with chronic pain.
METHODS
The review included peer-reviewed studies reporting findings on implementation of GMVs for chronic pain, inclusive of all study designs. Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched. Studies of individual appointments or group therapy were excluded. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to determine risk of bias. Data related to implementation determinants were extracted independently by two reviewers. Data synthesis was guided by the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.
RESULTS
Thirty-three articles reporting on 25 studies met criteria for inclusion and included qualitative observational (n = 8), randomized controlled trial (n = 6), quantitative non-randomized (n = 9), quantitative descriptive (n = 3), and mixed methods designs (n = 7). The studies included in this review included a total of 2364 participants. Quality ratings were mixed, with qualitative articles receiving the highest quality ratings. Common multi-level determinants included the relative advantage of GMVs for chronic pain over other available models, the capability and motivation of clinicians, the cost of GMVs to patients and the health system, the need and opportunity of patients, the availability of resources and relational connections supporting recruitment and referral to GMVs within the clinic setting, and financing and policies within the outer setting.
CONCLUSIONS
Multi-level factors determine the implementation of GMVs for chronic pain. Future research is needed to investigate these determinants more thoroughly and to develop and test implementation strategies addressing these determinants to promote the scale-up of GMVs for patients with chronic pain.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021231310 .
PubMed: 38783388
DOI: 10.1186/s43058-024-00595-8 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Jul 2024The efficacy of perineural vs intravenous dexamethasone as a local anaesthetic adjunct to increase duration of analgesia could be particular to specific peripheral nerve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
Intravenous versus perineural dexamethasone to prolong analgesia after interscalene brachial plexus block: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of perineural vs intravenous dexamethasone as a local anaesthetic adjunct to increase duration of analgesia could be particular to specific peripheral nerve blocks because of differences in systemic absorption depending on the injection site. Given this uncertainty, we performed a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis comparing dexamethasone administered perineurally or intravenously combined with local anaesthetic for interscalene brachial plexus block.
METHODS
Following a search of various electronic databases, we included 11 trials (1145 patients). The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia defined as the time between peripheral nerve block or onset of sensory blockade and the time to first analgesic request or initial report of pain.
RESULTS
The primary outcome, duration of analgesia, was greater in the perineural dexamethasone group, with a mean difference (95% confidence interval) of 122 (62-183) min, I=73%, P<0.0001. Trial sequential analysis indicated that firm evidence had been reached. The quality of evidence was downgraded to low, mainly because of moderate inconsistency and serious publication bias. No significant differences were present for any of the secondary outcomes, except for onset time of sensory and motor blockade and resting pain score at 12 h, but the magnitude of differences was not clinically relevant.
CONCLUSIONS
There is low-quality evidence that perineural administration of dexamethasone as a local anaesthetic adjunct increases duration of analgesia by an average of 2 h compared with intravenous injection for interscalene brachial plexus block. Given the limited clinical relevance of this difference, the off-label use of perineural administration, and the risk of drug crystallisation, we recommend intravenous dexamethasone administration.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL
PROSPERO (CRD42023466147).
Topics: Humans; Dexamethasone; Brachial Plexus Block; Analgesia; Pain, Postoperative; Administration, Intravenous; Anesthetics, Local; Brachial Plexus
PubMed: 38782616
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.03.042 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open May 2024To review the efficacy of nebulised magnesium sulfate (MgSO) in acute asthma in children. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To review the efficacy of nebulised magnesium sulfate (MgSO) in acute asthma in children.
METHODS
The authors searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published until 15 December 2023. RCTs were included if they compared the efficacy and safety of nebulised MgSO as a second-line agent in children presenting with acute asthma exacerbation. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and the Risk of Bias V.2 tool was used to assess the biases among them.
RESULTS
10 RCTs enrolling 2301 children with acute asthma were included. All trials were placebo controlled and administered nebulised MgSO/placebo and salbutamol (±ipratropium bromide). There was no significant difference in Composite Asthma Severity Score between the two groups (6 RCTs, 1953 participants; standardised mean difference: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.2 to +0.02, I=21%). Children in the MgSO group have significantly better peak expiratory flow rate (% predicted) than the control group (2 RCTs, 145 participants; mean difference: 19.3; 95% CI: 8.9 to 29.8; I=0%). There was no difference in the need for hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission or duration of hospital stay. Adverse events were minor, infrequent (7.3%) and similar among the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
There is low-certainty evidence that nebulised MgSO as an add-on second-line therapy for acute asthma in children does not reduce asthma severity or a need for hospitalisation. However, it was associated with slightly better lung functions. The current evidence does not support the routine use of nebulised MgSO in paediatric acute asthma management.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022373692.
Topics: Humans; Magnesium Sulfate; Asthma; Child; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Acute Disease; Administration, Inhalation; Bronchodilator Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Anti-Asthmatic Agents
PubMed: 38782483
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002638 -
The Clinical Respiratory Journal May 2024This systematic review aimed to summarize the available data on the treatment of pulmonary contusions with exogenous surfactants, determine whether this treatment... (Review)
Review
This systematic review aimed to summarize the available data on the treatment of pulmonary contusions with exogenous surfactants, determine whether this treatment benefits patients with severe pulmonary contusions, and evaluate the optimal type of surfactant, method of administration, and drug concentration. Three databases (MEDline, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using the following keywords: pulmonary surfactant, surface-active agents, exogenous surfactant, pulmonary contusion, and lung contusion for articles published between 1945 and February 2023, with no language restrictions. Four reviewers independently rated the studies for inclusion, and the other four reviewers resolved conflicts. Of the 100 articles screened, six articles were included in the review. Owing to the limited number of papers on this topic, various types of studies were included (two clinical studies, two experiments, and two case reports). In all the studies, surfactant administration improved the selected ventilation parameters. The most frequently used type of surfactant was Curosurf® in the concentration of 25 mg/kg of ideal body weight. In most studies, the administration of a surfactant by bronchoscopy into the segmental bronchi was the preferable way of administration. In both clinical studies, patients who received surfactants required shorter ventilation times. The administration of exogenous surfactants improved ventilatory parameters and, thus, reduced the need for less aggressive artificial lung ventilation and ventilation days. The animal-derived surfactant Curosurf® seems to be the most suitable substance; however, the ideal concentration remains unclear. The ideal route of administration involves a bronchoscope in the segmental bronchi.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Surfactants; Contusions; Lung Injury; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Animals; Respiration, Artificial; Treatment Outcome; Bronchoscopy
PubMed: 38778673
DOI: 10.1111/crj.13776 -
Anesthesiology May 2024While effects of general anesthesia on neuronal activity in the human neonatal brain are incompletely understood, electroencephalography (EEG) provides some insight and...
While effects of general anesthesia on neuronal activity in the human neonatal brain are incompletely understood, electroencephalography (EEG) provides some insight and may identify age-dependent differences. A systematic search (MEDLINE, Embase, PUBMED, Cochrane Library to November 2023) retrieved English language publications reporting EEG during general anesthesia for cardiac or non-cardiac surgery in term neonates (37 to 44 weeks post-menstrual age). Data were extracted and risk of bias (ROBINS-I Cochrane tool) and quality of evidence (GRADE checklist) assessed. From 1155 abstracts, nine publications (157 neonates; 55.7% male) fulfilled eligibility criteria. Data were limited and study quality was very low. The occurrence of discontinuity, a characteristic pattern of alternating higher and lower amplitude EEG segments, was reported with general anesthesia (94 of 119 neonates, six publications) and with hypothermia (23 of 23 neonates, two publications). Decreased power in the delta (0.5-4Hz) frequency range was also reported with increasing anesthetic dose (39 neonates; three publications). While evidence gaps were identified, both increasing sevoflurane concentration and decreasing temperature are associated with increasing discontinuity.
PubMed: 38775960
DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005088 -
EClinicalMedicine Jun 2024General anaesthesia is provided to more than 300 million surgical patients worldwide, every year. It is administered either through total intravenous anaesthesia, using...
BACKGROUND
General anaesthesia is provided to more than 300 million surgical patients worldwide, every year. It is administered either through total intravenous anaesthesia, using only intravenous agents, or through inhalational anaesthesia, using volatile anaesthetic agents. The debate on how this affects postoperative patient outcome is ongoing, despite an abundance of published trials. The relevance of this topic has grown by the increasing concern about the contribution of anaesthetic gases to the environmental impact of surgery. We aimed to summarise all available evidence on relevant patient outcomes with total intravenous anaesthesia versus inhalational anaesthesia.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials for works published from January 1, 1985 to August 1, 2023 for randomised controlled trials comparing total intravenous anaesthesia using propofol versus inhalational anaesthesia using the volatile anaesthetics sevoflurane, desflurane or isoflurane. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full text articles, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Outcomes were derived from a recent series of publications on consensus definitions for Standardised Endpoints for Perioperative trials (StEP). Primary outcomes covered mortality and organ-related morbidity. Secondary outcomes were related to anaesthetic and surgical morbidity. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023430492).
FINDINGS
We included 317 randomised controlled trials, comprising 51,107 patients. No difference between total intravenous and inhalational anaesthesia was seen in the primary outcomes of in-hospital mortality (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.67-1.66, 27 trials, 3846 patients), 30-day mortality (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.70-1.36, 23 trials, 9667 patients) and one-year mortality (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.88-1.48, 13 trials, 9317 patients). Organ-related morbidity was similar between groups except for the subgroup of elderly patients, in which total intravenous anaesthesia was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.97, 11 trials, 3834 patients) and a better score on postoperative cognitive dysfunction tests (standardised mean difference 1.68, 95% CI 0.47-2.88, 9 trials, 4917 patients). In the secondary outcomes, total intravenous anaesthesia resulted in a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.56-0.67, 145 trials, 23,172 patients), less emergence delirium (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.29-0.56, 32 trials, 4203 patients) and a higher quality of recovery score (QoR-40 mean difference 6.45, 95% CI 3.64-9.25, 17 trials, 1835 patients).
INTERPRETATION
The results indicate that postoperative mortality and organ-related morbidity was similar for intravenous and inhalational anaesthesia. Total intravenous anaesthesia offered advantages in postoperative recovery.
FUNDING
Dutch Society for Anaesthesiology (NVA).
PubMed: 38774674
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102636 -
Oncology Reviews 2024Lymph node metastasis in vulvar cancer is a critical prognostic factor associated with higher recurrence and decreased survival. A survival benefit is reported with...
Lymph node metastasis in vulvar cancer is a critical prognostic factor associated with higher recurrence and decreased survival. A survival benefit is reported with adjuvant radiotherapy but with potential significant morbidity. We aim to clarify whether there is high-quality evidence to support the use of adjuvant radiotherapy in this setting. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant radiotherapy to locoregional metastatic nodal areas. We conducted a comprehensive and systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the National Cancer Institute. We considered only randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We identified 1,760 records and finally retrieved only one eligible RCT (114 participants with positive inguinofemoral lymph nodes). All women had undergone radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy and had been randomized to adjuvant radiotherapy or to intraoperative ipsilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy. At 6 years, the overall survival (OS) was 51% versus 41% in favor of radiotherapy (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.30-1.3) without significance and with very low certainty of evidence. At 6 year, the cumulative incidence of cancer-related deaths was 29% versus 51% in favor of adjuvant radiotherapy (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.28-0.87). Recurrence-free survival at 6 years was 59% after adjuvant radiotherapy versus 48% after pelvic lymphadenectomy (HR 0.39; 95% CI 0.17-0.88). Three (5.3%) versus 13 (24.1%) groin recurrences were noted, respectively, in the adjuvant radiotherapy and pelvic lymphadenectomy groups. There was no significant difference in acute toxicities for pelvic lymphadenectomy compared to radiotherapy. In women with positive pelvic lymph nodes (20%), the OS at 6 year was 36% compared with 13% in favor of adjuvant radiotherapy. Late cutaneous toxicity rate appeared to be greater after radiotherapy (19% vs. 15%) but with less chronic lymphedema (16% vs. 22%). There is only very low-quality evidence on administering adjuvant radiotherapy for inguinal lymph node metastases. Although the identified study was a multicenter RCT, there was a reasonable imprecision and inconsistency because of small study numbers, wide confidence intervals in the data, and early trial closure, resulting in downgrading of the evidence.
PubMed: 38774492
DOI: 10.3389/or.2024.1389035 -
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2024To determine whether perioperative esketamine use decreases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To determine whether perioperative esketamine use decreases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD).
METHODS
Online search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted to identify relevant studies. Key words for search included, but were not limited to, postpartum depression, esketamine, and clinical trials. The mean and standard deviation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores were extracted from the studies as primary parameters.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 226 articles, of which 5 met the criteria and were enrolled in the study. In total, 886 patients in the studies were taken into analysis. The EPDS scores in the esketamine group were lower than those of the control group at the early stage of puerperium (WMD=-2.05, 95% CI: -3.77, -0.34, =0.019), whereas there was no significant difference at the middle and later stages (WMD=-1.41, 95% CI: -2.86, 0.04, =0.056). The sensitivity analyses indicated that the result for the early stage was stable, whereas it was unreliable for the middle and later stages. The results of the Egger's test indicated no publication bias.
CONCLUSION
Perioperative use of esketamine contributes to a lower risk of PPD at the early stage of puerperium but not at the middle and later stages. To further verify this conclusion, more high-quality studies are required.
PubMed: 38770534
DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S451930